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City approves $688,880 contract amendment to finish Interbasin waterline restoration
Summary
Flagstaff council approved a fourth/fifth contract amendment with Hunter Contracting for roughly $688,880 to finish remaining sites on the Interbasin waterline restoration project and extended contract duration 75 days; the project has received substantial state reimbursement and multiple awards, officials said.
Flagstaff — The City Council approved a contract amendment on March 4 that adds $688,880 in guaranteed maximum price (GMP) funding for final construction and repair work on the Interbasin waterline restoration project.
The amendment — described in council papers as the fourth (GMP 5) to the design–build contract with Hunter Contracting — also extends the contract term by 75 calendar days to allow work through the end of 2025. Project staff said they expect closeout work to complete in early fall 2025, weather dependent.
David Peterson, project manager in Capital Improvements, presented the item and thanked partners including the Coconino National Forest and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM). Peterson said the project — which repaired a water line and roadway damaged by wildfire-related erosion and debris flows — was primarily built on Forest Service property and relied on close agency coordination. Fire crews and other partners have supported access and debris clearing along Waterline Road, he said.
Chuck, representing Hunter Contracting, told council the contractor appreciated the city’s leadership and partnership. “You don’t always get everyone working together to solve a problem,” he said. Hunter staff and city teams accepted two industry awards for the work during recent months, Peterson said.
Council members praised the project as an example of rapid, complex infrastructure repair. Councilmember Matthews, who has toured the site, said photos “don’t do it justice.” Vice Mayor Sweet moved to approve the amendment; Councilmember Matthews seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Why the amendment is needed
- GMP 5 covers final work at 12 remaining sites along the restoration corridor; staff emphasized these are repairs and refinements — not new construction from scratch.
- Peterson said the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management reimbursed the city approximately $16.1 million for the overall project and that Water Services has handled additional work outside the burn scar within the same schedule and funding framework. By combining reimbursements and city contributions, staff reported the project is on budget.
- Staff noted the need for contracted inspectors (Ardura/SWI) because daily on‑site inspection is not feasible for city staff given the long travel time to the work area.
Action taken
Council approved the fourth amendment to the design–build contract with Hunter Contracting in the amount of $688,880 to add GMP 5 for construction and repair services for the Interbasin waterline restoration project, with a contract extension of 75 calendar days and authorization for the city manager to execute necessary documents. Vote: unanimous in favor.
Ending
City leaders described the Interbasin restoration as a multi‑agency effort that restored a critical water conveyance and road corridor after wildfire damage. With the amendment approved, staff expect final construction and site‑work closeout in 2025 pending weather and permitting considerations.
